Sanitary hand covering

ABSTRACT

A sanitary hand cover includes a fluid impermeable material defining two portions, the first portion for fitment over a portion of a user&#39;s hand, the second portion for inversion within the user&#39;s hand and first portion to form a pocket. The pocket is lined with an absorbent material to receive and retain liquid deposited in the pocket formed in the sanitary hand covering. The absorbent materials extends from within the pocket at least partially over a transition area between the first and second portions adjacent the finger tips when the hand covering is fitted on a user&#39;s hand. The transition area defines a constricted pocket opening bearing the absorbent material as a gasket and wiping mechanism. The hand covering can be inverted following use, e.g., for gland expression during animal grooming, to provide a sanitary package for disposal.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to veterinary and grooming sanitary hand coverings, and in particular to a sanitary hand covering for expressing scent glands.

BACKGROUND

Veterinarians and dog groomers routinely express the scent glands of animals as part of their examination or grooming procedures. This can be an unsavory task. It can result in secretion, often unexpectedly, of an often pungent liquid. The preferred practice is to contain or absorb the secreted liquid, typically for disposal and to avoid the need to clean the liquid from the animal. To this end, practitioners often use paper towels, rags, or other absorbent material to perform the expression process. The use of absorbent material, however, can make gland expression more difficult because of loss of sensitivity and dexterity and because the absorbent tissue, towel, or rag is difficult to control. As a result, the liquid often escapes onto surrounding surfaces due to improper positioning of the absorbent material or to inadequate absorption. The absorbent material is often unyielding and thus hampers the cleaning and expression process.

Accordingly, improvements are sought in the safety, hygiene, efficiency, and simplicity in performance of animal scent gland expression.

SUMMARY

It has been discovered that performance of animal scent gland expressions by veterinary technicians, pet groomers, and others can be improved through using a novel disposable sanitary hand covering that offers greater safety, hygiene, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.

One aspect of the invention features, in some implementations, a sanitary hand covering, e.g., a mitt or glove, including a fluid-impermeable hand covering including a first portion sized to receive at least two fingers and a thumb to at least the middle knuckles and top knuckle of a hand respectively, and a second portion extending beyond the tips of the fingers and thumb.

In some implementations, the sanitary hand covering further includes an absorbent material extending over a major portion of an exterior of a second portion, the second portion sized to be invertible to a position between the thumb and fingers to create an absorbent pocket therebetween, extending to a depth past the top knuckles of the fingers and thumb.

In some implementations, a sanitary hand covering is made of an absorbent material. In such implementations, the sanitary hand covering can fit over an exam glove having liquid impermeable properties.

In implementations that include a liquid impermeable layer, the absorbent material may extend at least partially onto the first portion of the hand covering to provide a gasket around an opening of the absorbent pocket.

In implementations that include a liquid impermeable layer, the absorbent material may extend substantially onto the first portion of the hand covering to provide a gasket around an opening of the absorbent pocket, and further, to provide an additional absorbent material that can be used to absorb any scent gland expression that was not contained in the pocket.

In some implementations, the first and second portions define a reduced cross-section transition therebetween to provide a reduced cross-section transition between the portions to produce a narrowing at an opening of a pocket formed during inversion of the second portion into the pocketed position. When the hand covering is in the inverted position, the reduced cross section transition becomes an annulus that can be utilized to substantially surround the scent-gland during expression, whereby the expressed fluid is contained in the pocketed area.

In some implementations, the sanitary hand covering has an elastomeric property and may include elastomeric materials. This elastic property is beneficial in the use of the annulus. The user may extend her fingers, thereby expanding the annulus to fit around the scent gland prior to expression. As the user places her fingertips around the scent gland, the annulus contracts. This implementation is advantageous because the annulus, in a slightly expanded position, will fit snugly around the scent gland, preventing any folds or crevices in the hand covering that may allow fluid to escape.

In some implementations, only the reduced cross-section transition has an elastomeric property. Thus, the annulus feature retains its contractile quality, while the remainder of the hand-covering does not have contractile properties. The elastic property may be the result of a thicker layer of latex, a rubber band, or some other means.

In some implementations, the first portion is sized to receive a user's fingers and thumb to at least the respective base knuckles.

In some implementations, the first portion is sized to receive a major portion of a user's hand.

In some implementations, the hand covering further includes a region of the second portion substantially corresponding to the tip of a user's index finger that region being substantially free of any absorbent material.

In some implementations, the hand covering is substantially tubular in a pre-inverted position.

In some implementations, the hand covering further includes at least one of a deodorant, emollient, lotion, gel, disinfectant, or fragrance in or on any absorbent material.

In some implementations, the hand covering includes at least one of latex, rubber, plastic, or vinyl.

In some implementations, the hand covering consists of absorbent material. This hand covering can then be used in conjunction with a standard exam glove that serves as the liquid impermeable layer. One preferred embodiment of such implementations has a cut-out in the area substantially corresponding to the tip of a user's index finger, allowing the exam glove to fit through said cut-out to preserve dexterity and sensitivity.

Another aspect of this application is a method of making a sanitary hand covering. The method includes providing a fluid impermeable material defining a first portion sized to receive at least the tips of at least two fingers and a thumb, and further defining a second portion positionable in either of an extended position beyond the first portion or a pocketed position within the first portion. The method further includes providing an absorbent material on at least the second portion and optionably extending partially onto the first portion such that the absorbent material forms a gasket around an opening of a pocket formed by the second portion placed into a pocketed position with the absorbent material lining a major portion of the pocket.

In some applications, providing the fluid impermeable material comprises dip molding using a form comprising first and second molding sections corresponding to the first and second portions.

In some applications, the first and second molding sections define a reduced cross-section transition therebetween to provide a reduced cross-section transition between the portions to produce a narrowing at an opening of a pocket formed during inversion of the second portion into the pocketed position.

In some applications, providing the absorbent material comprises provision of absorbent material on the reduced cross-section transition between the first and second portions to serve as a gasket about the opening of the pocket.

In some applications, the absorbent material is provided by a second dip molding process. In some applications, the absorbent material is one of material sprayed, coated, flocked, glued otherwise or adhered to the fluid impermeable material.

In some applications, providing the liquid impermeable material includes one of adhering, stitching, and fusing edge portions of one or more liquid impermeable sheet portions to form a hand covering defining the first and second portions.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific aspects and implementations in which the present disclosed teaching may be practiced. Other arrangements and implementations may also be utilized, sand structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed implementations. The various implementations are not mutually exclusive, as some implementations can be combined with one or more other implementations to form new implementations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This disclosure, and its numerous objects, features; and advantages are made more apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view done embodiment of a sanitary hand covering.

FIG. 2 is a side view of another embodiment of sanitary hand covering.

FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of a sanitary hand covering.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of a sanitary hand covering.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are different views of a side view of an embodiment of the sanitary hand covering of FIG. 1 illustrating in dotted line the formation of the optional pocket.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are different views of a side view of an embodiment of the sanitary hand covering of FIG. 2 illustrating in dotted line the formation of the optional pocket.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a sanitary hand covering in use.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic representations of an embodiment of a sanitary hand covering in use.

FIG. 9 is a side view of another embodiment of a sanitary hand covering.

FIG. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of a sanitary hand covering.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1, showing one embodiment of sanitary hand covering 100, includes a first portion 102 and a second portion 104, including a liquid impermeable material that may be limited at least in part to the surface 103. The liquid impermeable material may have elastomeric properties. First portion (or section) 102 is configured for insertion of a portion of a user's hand (see FIGS. 5-9) and second portion (or section) 104 is configured to be moveable from an extended position, as shown, to an inverted or “pocketed” position within first portion 102 to create a pocket (see arrow in FIGS. 5-6). This pocket effectively positions the users hand between the first and second portions 102 and 104.

Second portion 104 is of a reduced cross-section and diameter relative to first portion 102, thereby accommodating a hand in first portion 102. The reduced cross-section and diameter of second portion 104 facilitates the forming of an annulus at the rim of the pocket to serve as a gasket to better retain secreted liquids.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, exterior surface 103 of second portion 104 is lined with an absorbent material 108 configured to receive and retain a selected volume of liquids, e.g., secreted liquids from a gland expression procedure. The line of demarcation indicating the transition from lined to non-lined surface is show in FIG. as 109. Placement of the line of demarcation 109 can vary but should allow for placement of an adsorbent material to cover substantially all of first portion 102 and may include a portion of second portion 104 as shown. Absorbent material 108 can include foam, woven or non-woven fabrics, fibrous batting, or other material suitable to absorb a particular liquid.

In FIG. 1, transition 110 joins portions 102 and 104. In FIG. 1 transition 110 is shown as a seamless transition covered by absorbent material 108. Transition 110 can serve as a control point for the fingers of the user when inserted into section 104. Transition 110 with absorbent material 108 can facilitate the forming of an annulus (see FIG. 8) to serve as a gasket around the opening of the pocket (see FIGS. 5-8) formed by inversion of portion 104 within portion 102. Transition 110 can serve further to partially close the opening of the pocket to retain collected liquids during disposal.

First portion 102 is shown in FIG. 1 with an annular flange 112. Annular flange 112 is optional. Annular flange 112 may be formed by the outward or the inward rolling of material that forms sanitary hand covering 100. Annular flange 112 may include the liquid impermeable material that forms at least a part of surface 106. Annular flange 112 may be integral to sanitary hand covering 100 or may be an addition or overlay. Annular flange 112 may be comprised of a thicker, denser, or treated portion of portion 102. Annular flange 112 may be used to position or retain sanitary hand covering 100.

With reference to FIG. 2, another embodiment, transition 110 includes an elastomeric feature 111 to improve resistance to expansion during manual operation and to improve constriction for disposal. Elastomeric feature 111 can be a thicker portion of sanitary hand covering 100 or may be a thicker portion of liquid impermeable material. Elastomeric feature 111 may be elastomeric latex, a rubber band, or an integral or separately formed resilient material or feature.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, hand covering 100 can include a folded sheet or two or more sheets joined along a periphery, e.g., via stitching, adhesion, thermal welding, or other suitable joining process. In FIG. 2, such a two-sheet construction is shown where an absorbent material 108 may be similarly adhered, stitched, coated, or otherwise applied to sheet 107, including to exterior surface of sheet 107 (see 101 in FIG. 3). Sheet 107 may consist of liquid impermeable materials. Absorbent material 108 may be dip coated, flocked, glued, thermal adhered, sprayed, or otherwise attached onto sheet 107. Thus, sanitary hand covering 100 may be formed using any combination or number of dipping, joining, coating, or other processes for providing absorbent material 108 on a liquid impermeable material 107.

FIG. 3, another embodiment, shows transition 110 without an elastomeric feature but with a cross-section and diameter reduced relative to that of first portion 102. Second portion 104 is also of a reduced cross-section and diameter relative to first portion 102, thereby accommodating a hand in first portion 102. The reduced cross-section and diameter of second portion 104 facilitates the forming of an annulus at the rim of the pocket to serve as a gasket to better retain secreted liquids (see FIG. 8).

In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, exterior surface of second portion 104 is lined with an absorbent material 108 configured to receive and retain a selected volume of liquids, e.g., secreted liquids from a gland expression procedure. The line of demarcation indicating the transition from lined to non-lined surface is show in FIGS. 3 and 4 as 109 and 109′. Placement of the line of demarcation 109 can vary but should allow for placement of an adsorbent material to cover substantially all of the medial portion of second portion 104 and may include a portion of transition 110 and even of first portion 102 as shown. Absorbent material 108 can include foam, woven or non-woven fabrics, fibrous batting, or other material suitable to absorb a particular liquid. Absorbent material 108 may cover the entire exterior surface 101 of second portion 104 or as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 only a portion of surface 101. Likewise, absorbent material 108 may cover all or only a portion of transition 110 and only a portion or none of first section 102.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the coverage of absorbent material 108 is shown to be non-obscuring. Absorbent material 108 may be applied in a non-obscuring net, dot, intermittent, or other pattern that conserves absorbent materials. Such patterns of application may best suit certain absorbent material 108 or methods of application.

With reference to FIGS. 5-6, a method of using sanitary hand covering 100 includes insertion of a portion of a user's hand in first portion 102, e.g., at least the fingers and thumb to the lower knuckles, or even to the wrist, to ensure that the elasticity of the opening of first portion 102 retains sanitary hand covering 100 thereon. For example, if inserted only up to the second knuckles the elasticity of first portion 102, sanitary hand covering 100 may slide forward off the fingers. Thus, in some applications, it may be desirable to size and don the hand covering to an extent sufficient to ensure sufficient control without forward slippage of the hand covering during use. Likewise, annular flange 112 may be employed to help retain sanitary hand covering 100 in place.

With continued reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, once the fingers of the user (shown in dashed outline) are inserted up to approximately the location of transition 110 approximately between first portion 102 and second portion 104, a “pocketed” section 114 (shown in dashed outline in FIGS. 5 b and 5 c, FIGS. 6 b and 6 c) is formed of distal end 116 (FIG. 5 a, FIG. 6 a) of second section 104 in the direction of the arrow as shown on FIGS. 5 a and 5 b and FIGS. 6 a and 6 b. Pocket 114 is then further pressed in the direction of the palm of the user as shown between the fingers and thumb of the covered hand to complete creation of pocket 114 therebetween. Continuing with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, first portion 102, second portion 104, transition 110, and elastomeric feature 111 may be fully or partially covered with absorbent material 108.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a method is illustrated of using sanitary hand covering 100 that includes the user forming an annulus by placement of the fingers and thumb of the user into position where the digits are spaced more or less equidistant from the next adjoining digit to form a generally circular configuration. FIG. 8 illustrates with arrows expanding the annulus and the annulus present at the opening of the pocket defined by transition 110 via flexing of the extensor muscles of the user, e.g., to position the annulus at the pocket opening substantially surrounding the target area, and thus creating a gasket. For example, during pet grooming, a technician dons the hand covering, extends the annulus over the area surrounding the scent glands of the animal (see FIG. 8 a) and then constricts the annulus (see FIG. 8 b) to express the scent gland and catch the secreted liquids within the pocket. By the nature of elasticity and the dynamic interaction of the elastic properties with purposeful movement of the fingers and thumb, both the extended and constricted or relaxed annulus prevents folds or crevices that may allow fluid to escape.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, absorbent material 108 along the pocket 114 that had been a portion of the exterior of sanitary covering 100 can thus serve to catch and retain liquids. The technician then uses the outward facing portion of absorbent material 108 present on transition 110 or first portion 102 to wipe up any remaining secreted liquids from the surrounding area and inverts the first portion 102 forward in the direction of the tip of the fingers of the user, thus completely inverting sanitary hand covering 100, leaving hand covering 100 in a fully inverted configuration for disposal.

Sanitary hand covering 100 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 comprises an absorbent material without a liquid impermeable layer. Sanitary hand covering 100 has elastic properties. The elastic action of the absorbent material aids the anal scent gland cleaning process as described and illustrated.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of sanitary hand covering 100 that includes a region 118 of the sanitary hand cover 100 corresponding with the position of the index finger that is substantially devoid of absorbent material 108 on exterior surface 101 of second portion 104 of sanitary hand covering 100. Substantially devoid region 118 allows increased sensitivity and dexterity relative to portions of exterior surface 101 to which absorbent material 108 has been adhered. For example, for internal digital expression of the scent gland of an animal it is typical to use the index finger to feel for the scent gland. Two such substantially devoid regions may be provided to accommodate ambidextrous use.

FIG. 10 illustrates how a user may don a typical exam glove, and place the gloved hand into sanitary hand covering 100 made substantially of absorbent, material. The sanitary hand covering 100 made substantially of absorbent material may include a cut-out 120 allowing the user to place an index finger through cut-out 120. The user may then invert the covering thereby creating pocketed area 114, while the index finger is uncovered by absorbent material to preserve dexterity and sensitivity. With further reference to FIG. 10, the user has not placed a finger through cut-out 120. Cut-out 120 is visible in pocketed area 114.

While the forgoing represents a description of various embodiment, it is to be understood that the claims below recite the features of the present disclosure, and that other embodiments not specifically described hereinabove, fall within the scope of this disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sanitary hand covering for expressing scent glands, said hand covering comprising: a hand covering including a fluid impermeable surface having a first portion sized to receive at least two fingers and a thumb to at least the middle knuckles and top knuckle thereof respectively of a hand of a user, and a second portion configured to be positionable in either of an extended position beyond the first portion or a pocketed position within the first portion; where an absorbent material is present on at least a major portion of said surface of said second portion, thereby giving said pocket an absorbent layer.
 2. The sanitary hand covering of claim 1, wherein said absorbent material is present on a transition between said first and second portions of said hand covering to provide a gasket around an opening of said absorbent pocket.
 3. The sanitary hand covering of claim 2, wherein said absorbent material of said second portion defines a region substantially corresponding to the area of a tip of a user's index finger, said region comprising said liquid impermeable surface substantially free of said absorbent material.
 4. The sanitary hand covering of claim 2, wherein the hand covering is substantially tubular in a pre-inverted position.
 5. The sanitary hand covering of claim 2, wherein the first and second sections define a reduced cross-sectional transition therebetween.
 6. The sanitary hand covering of claim 2, further comprising at least one of a deodorant, disinfectant, lotion, ointment, lubricating, topically active substance, or fragrance in said absorbent material.
 7. The sanitary hand covering of claim 5, wherein the second portion is of a restricted diameter relative to said first section.
 8. The sanitary hand covering of claim 5, wherein the second portion is of a restricted diameter relative to said first section, further comprising at least one of a deodorant, disinfectant, or fragrance in said absorbent material.
 9. The sanitary hand covering of claim 5, wherein said absorbent material of said second portion defines a region substantially corresponding to the area of a tip of a user's index finger, said region comprising said liquid impermeable surface substantially free of said absorbent material.
 10. The sanitary hand covering of claim 6, wherein said absorbent material of said second portion defines a region substantially corresponding to the area of a tip of a user's index finger, said region comprising said liquid impermeable surface substantially free of said absorbent material.
 11. The sanitary hand covering of claim 7, wherein said absorbent material of said second portion defines a region substantially corresponding to the area of a tip of a user's index finger, said region comprising said liquid impermeable surface substantially free of said absorbent material.
 12. The sanitary hand covering of claim 8, wherein said fluid-impermeable surface of said hand covering comprises at least one of latex, rubber, vinyl, and plastic.
 13. The sanitary hand covering of claim 9, wherein said fluid-impermeable surface of said hand covering comprises at least one of latex, rubber, vinyl, and plastic.
 14. The sanitary hand covering of claim 9, further comprising at least one of a deodorant, disinfectant, lotion, ointment, lubricating, topically active substance, or fragrance in said absorbent material.
 15. A method of making a sanitary hand covering for expressing the scent gland of animals, the method comprising: providing a fluid impermeable material defining a first portion sized to receive at least two fingers and a thumb to at least the middle knuckles and top knuckle respectively, providing a fluid impermeable material defining a second portion positionable in either of an extended position beyond the first portion or a pocketed position within the first portion, and adhering to at least a substantial portion of said second portion an adsorbent material.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein an absorbent material is provided that extends over at least a major portion of said second portion of fluid impermeable material.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the absorbent material is provided on the second portion and extending partially onto the first portion, such that the absorbent material forms a gasket around an opening of a pocket formed by said second portion in said pocketed position with said absorbent material lining a major portion of said pocket.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein providing the absorbent material comprises provision of absorbent material on a reduced cross-section transition between said first and second portions to serve as a gasket about the opening of said pocket.
 19. The method of claim 15 where in the step of adhering to at least a substantial portion of said second portion an adsorbent material is chosen from the group consisting of gluing, flocking, thermal adhering, and sonic bonding.
 20. The method of claim 18 where in the step of adhering to at least a substantial portion of said second portion an adsorbent material is chosen from the group consisting of gluing, flocking, thermal adhering, and sonic bonding.
 21. A sanitary hand covering for expressing scent glands, said hand covering comprising: a hand covering including an elastomeric absorbent material including a first portion sized to receive at least two fingers and a thumb to at least the middle knuckles and top knuckle thereof respectively of a hand of a user, and a second portion configured to be positionable in either of an extended position beyond the first portion or a pocketed position within the first portion; wherein said elastomeric absorbent material facilitates movement of the fingers and thumb to form a constricted or relaxed annulus. 